BREATHING AIR SUPPLY DEVICE AND VEHICLE CONTROL ASSEMBLIES THAT INCLUDE THESE FOR ALCOHOL DETECTION

Abstract

A steering wheel assembly comprises a steering wheel having an inlet hole, a breath sensor having an inlet for detecting an alcohol content in an air sample, and a breath air supply device provided between the steering wheel and the breath sensor, wherein the breath air supply device fluidically couples the inlet hole of the steering wheel to the inlet of the breath sensor and the breath air supply device has a rotational area that rotates with the steering wheel and a fixed area that does not rotate with the steering wheel.

Description

TECHNICAL AREA The present description refers generally to systems and methods for detecting and measuring the alcohol content of a vehicle occupant's breath exhaled into an inlet hole, and specifically to systems and methods that incorporate alcohol detection into a vehicle's steering wheel. BACKGROUND Driving under the influence of alcohol remains one of the leading causes of traffic accidents and fatalities worldwide. Drivers impaired by alcohol significantly compromise their ability to operate vehicles safely, resulting in delayed reaction times, reduced situational awareness, and impaired judgment. Recognizing these dangers, many countries have enacted strict laws to prevent and punish drunk driving. To support enforcement and prevention, numerous alcohol detection systems have been developed, ranging from breathalyzers integrated into ignition interlocks to portable alcohol monitoring technologies. These systems are designed to prevent individuals with elevated blood alcohol concentrations (BAC) from driving, thereby reducing the likelihood of alcohol-related accidents. Despite their intended benefits, existing alcohol detection systems have significant shortcomings. Breath-based immobilizers can be bypassed or become unreliable due to inaccurate readings caused by environmental factors or improper use. Furthermore, portable alcohol monitoring devices are often not integrated with vehicle control systems, limiting their preventative driving capabilities. These limitations underscore the need for an advanced alcohol detection system that reliably captures the driver's exhaled air, is tamper-proof, and seamlessly integrates with the vehicle's safety mechanisms to provide a real-time and accurate assessment of impairment without unnecessary intervention. BRIEF SUMMARY In one embodiment, a steering wheel assembly comprises a steering wheel having an inlet hole, a breath sensor having an inlet for detecting an alcohol content in an air sample, and a breath air supply device provided between the steering wheel and the breath sensor, wherein the breath air supply device fluidically couples (connects) the inlet hole of the steering wheel to the inlet of the breath sensor, and the breath air supply device has a rotation area that rotates with the steering wheel and a fixed area that does not rotate with the steering wheel. In a further embodiment, the breathing air supply device comprises a rear rotary component having a front surface, a rear surface opposite the front surface of the rear rotary component, a column engagement area extending from the rear surface of the rear rotary component, and one or more fastening means extending from the front surface of the rear rotary component; a rear mounting component having a front surface, a rear surface opposite the front surface of the rear mounting component, an outlet pipe engagement area extending from the rear surface of the rear mounting component, and one or more latches extending from the front surface of the rear mounting component; and a front mounting component having a side wall and one or more projections formed on an outer surface of the side wall.wherein one or more projections engage with one or more fastening means of the rear mounting component, and a front rotary component having a front surface, a rear surface opposite to the front surface of the front rotary component, an engagement area for the rear rotary component extending from the rear surface of the front rotary component, one or more projections formed on an inner surface of the engagement area for the rear rotary component, wherein one or more projections engage with the fastening means of the rear rotary component, and an inlet pipe engagement area extending from the front surface of the front rotary component. In a further embodiment, a vehicle has a steering wheel assembly comprising a steering wheel having an inlet hole, a breath sensor having an inlet for detecting the alcohol content in an air sample, and a breath air supply device located between the steering wheel and the breath sensor, wherein the breath air supply device fluidically couples (connects) the inlet hole of the steering wheel to the inlet of the breath sensor and the breath air supply device has a rotational area that rotates with the steering wheel and a fixed area that does not rotate with the steering wheel, and an electronic control unit that is communicatively coupled to the breath sensor, wherein the electronic control unit is configured to initiate one or more vehicle operating operations in response to receiving the detected alcohol content from the breath sensor and determining that the detected alcohol content exceeds a predetermined threshold.to execute., These and additional features provided by the embodiments described herein will be more fully understood with reference to the following detailed description in conjunction with the drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The embodiments shown in the drawings serve for illustration purposes and are exemplary; they are not intended to limit the subject matter defined by the claims. The following detailed description of the illustrative embodiments can be understood in conjunction with the following drawings, in which identical structures are identified by the same reference numerals and in which: Fig. 1 schematically shows a partial front view of the interior of a vehicle according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein; Fig. 2 shows a schematic side view of a steering wheel assembly comprising a steering wheel, a clock spring, a steering column, and a breathing sensor, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein; Fig.Figure 3 schematically shows a perspective exploded view of the steering wheel, the clock spring, and the breathing sensor according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein; Figure 4 schematically shows a side view of the steering wheel and the clock spring according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein; Figure 5 schematically shows a partial front view of the steering wheel according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein; Figure 6 schematically shows a partial front view of the steering wheel including an inlet cover according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein; Figure 7 schematically shows a perspective exploded view of the clock spring according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein; FigureFigure 8 schematically shows a perspective front view of a rear rotating component of the clock spring according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein; Figure 9 schematically shows a perspective rear view of the rear rotating component of the clock spring according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein; Figure 10 schematically shows a perspective front view of a rear mounting component of the clock spring according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein; Figure 11 schematically shows a perspective rear view of the rear mounting component of the clock spring according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein; Figure 12 schematically shows a perspective front view of a front mounting component of the clock spring according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein; FigureFig. 13 shows a perspective rear view of the front mounting component of the clock spring according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein; Fig. 14 shows a perspective front view of a front rotating component of the clock spring according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein; Fig. 15 schematically shows a perspective rear view of the front rotating component of the clock spring according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein; Fig. 16 schematically shows a front perspective view of the clock spring in an assembled state according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein; Fig. 17 schematically shows a perspective rear view of the clock spring in the assembled state according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein; Fig.Figure 18 schematically shows a cross-sectional side view of the clock spring in the assembled state according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein; Figure 19 schematically shows a front view of another embodiment of a clock spring in an assembled state according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein; and Figure 20 schematically shows a partial front view of the clock spring of Figure 18, with a front rotating component removed, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION The embodiments described herein relate to a steering wheel assembly comprising a breath air supply device for detecting the alcohol content (alcohol level) in an air sample collected at the steering wheel. The steering wheel assembly includes a steering wheel with an inlet opening, a breath sensor with an inlet for detecting the alcohol content in an air sample, and a breath air supply device located between the steering wheel and the breath sensor. Various embodiments of the steering wheel assembly and its operation are described in more detail herein. Where possible, the same reference numerals are used throughout the drawings for identical or similar parts. Unless expressly stated otherwise, it is in no way intended that any method described herein should be interpreted as requiring its steps to be performed in a particular order or that specific orientations are required for particular devices. Accordingly, if a method claim does not actually prescribe an order for performing its steps, or if a device claim does not actually prescribe an order or orientation of individual components, or if the claims or description do not expressly state that the steps are restricted to a particular order or that a particular order or orientation of the components of a device is prescribed, it is in no way intended that any order or orientation be inferred in any respect.This applies to all possible unexplained grounds for interpretation, including: questions of logic relating to the arrangement of steps, the sequence of operations, the order of components or the alignment of components, the simple meaning derived from the grammatical structure or punctuation, and the number or nature of embodiments described in the description. As used herein, the singular forms "ein", "eine", and "das" also have plural forms unless the context clearly requires otherwise. For example, the reference to "eine" component also has aspects with two or more such components unless the context clearly requires otherwise. As used herein, the term "vehicle longitudinal direction" refers to the front-to-back direction of the vehicle (i.e., in the + / --vehicle Y direction shown in Fig. 1). The term "vehicle lateral direction" refers to the vehicle's transverse direction (i.e., in the + / --vehicle X direction shown in Fig. 1) and is perpendicular to the vehicle's longitudinal direction. The term "vehicle vertical direction" refers to the vehicle's top-to-bottom direction (i.e., the + / --vehicle Z direction shown in Fig. 1). As used herein, "top" and "above" are defined as the positive Z direction of the coordinate axes shown in the drawings. "Bottom" and "below" are defined as the negative Z direction of the coordinate axes shown in the drawings. Referring to Fig. 1, a vehicle 100 according to one or more embodiments described herein is shown. The vehicle 100 has an interior cabin 102 in which a driver's seat 104 and a front passenger seat 106 are provided, with a center console 108 positioned between them. The vehicle 100 has a dashboard 110 located at the front of the driver's seat 104 and the passenger seat 106. The dashboard 110 has a graphical user interface 112, such as an infotainment system, for displaying vehicle information and enabling a vehicle occupant to select vehicle operating instructions via one or more buttons or controls. An instrument panel 114 is provided within the dashboard 110, and a steering wheel 202 is provided in front of the driver's seat 104, extending in front of the instrument panel 114. The steering wheel 202 is part of a steering wheel assembly 200 and has an inlet hole 204 for collecting an air sample from inside the interior cabin 102 of the vehicle 100. The air sample is then analyzed, as described in detail later, to determine whether it contains an alcohol content exceeding a predetermined threshold. The steering wheel assembly 200 is communicatively coupled to an electronic control unit 116. Based on whether the air sample contains an alcohol content exceeding the specified threshold, one or more vehicle operating procedures can be executed by the electronic control unit 116.For example, one or more vehicle operating procedures may include preventing the activation of an internal combustion engine or the engine of vehicle 100, displaying a reading of the detected alcohol content in the air sample on the graphical user interface 112, displaying a prompt on the graphical user interface 112 requiring the driver's attention before the activation of the internal combustion engine or the engine of vehicle 100, setting one or more driving restrictions, such as speed, notifying authorized personnel of the detected alcohol content in the air sample, and the like. Each of the aforementioned vehicle operating procedures aims to ensure that vehicle 100 is operated safely, if at all, when the alcohol content detected in the air sample exceeds the specified threshold.Furthermore, it should be noted that the specified threshold can be set by the vehicle manufacturer and cannot be changed, temporarily or permanently deactivated and / or adjusted by the driver of the vehicle. As shown in Fig. 1, the vehicle 100 is intended to be an automobile, which includes coupes, sedans, minivans, trucks, off-road vehicles, hybrid vehicles, and SUVs. However, the steering wheel assembly 200 is not limited to installation in such automobiles. In the embodiments, the steering wheel assembly 200 can be provided in any vehicle, for example, in watercraft, aircraft, and the like. Referring to Fig. 2, a side view of the steering wheel assembly 200 is shown. The steering wheel assembly 200 comprises the steering wheel 202, a breathing air supply device 206, a steering column 208, a breathing sensor 210, and an assembly 212. Although the breathing air supply device 206 is depicted as and referred to herein as a clock spring 214, it should be noted that the present disclosure is not limited to the breathing air supply device 206 being a clock spring 214. Therefore, the breathing air supply device 206 can be any suitable device configured to convey an air sample collected in an inlet tube to an outlet tube, without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Furthermore, the breathing air supply device 206 can be a larger assembly comprising a clock spring, or conversely, a clock spring can comprise the breathing air supply device 206. Referring further to Fig. 2, the clock spring 214 is mounted to a rear end 216 of the steering wheel 202, and the steering column 208 is mounted to a rear end 218 of the clock spring 214. The breathing sensor 210 is also mounted to the rear end 218 of the clock spring 214 above the steering column 208 in the vehicle's vertical direction. However, it should be noted that the breathing sensor 210 can be mounted at any suitable location relative to the steering column 208, such as below the steering column 208. In embodiments, the mounting assembly 212 is fixed to the steering column 208 and the breathing sensor 210 in order to fix the breathing sensor 210 to the steering column 208 and to fix the steering column 208 and the breathing sensor 210 to a frame (body) of the vehicle 100 (Fig. 1). During operation of the vehicle 100 (Fig. 1), the steering wheel 202 can be turned by the vehicle user, resulting in a rotation of the steering column 208 and subsequent actuation of the wheels of the vehicle 100. A rotational section of the clock spring 214 rotates with the steering wheel 202 and the steering column 208, while a fixed section of the clock spring 214 remains stationary relative to the steering column 208 in order to remain rotatably fixed to the breathing sensor 210 and the frame of the vehicle 100.As described in more detail below, the rotation range of the clock spring 214 allows electrical wires extending from the steering wheel 202 to enter the clock spring 214 from a front end 220 of the clock spring 214 opposite to the rear end 218 of the clock spring 214 and to rotate with the steering wheel 202, while an opposite end of the electrical wires exiting the rear end 218 of the clock spring 214 remains stationary relative to a wiring harness or fixed electrical components, such as the breathing sensor 210, to which the electrical wires are attached. Referring to Fig. 3, an exploded partial view of the steering wheel assembly 200 is shown. As shown, the steering wheel 202 generally has an outer rim 222, a cover 224, and an inlet cover 226. An inlet tube 228 is provided between the steering wheel 202 and the clock spring 214, and an outlet tube 230 is provided between the clock spring 214 and an inlet 232 of the breathing sensor 210. The breath sensor 210 can be any suitable air measuring device (air sensor device) for detecting the alcohol content in a collected air sample. The breath sensor 210 has a housing 234 with an inlet 232 for air intake and an outlet 236 opposite the inlet 232 for exhaust air. In embodiments, the breath sensor 210 has a measuring chamber within the housing 234 containing an alcohol-sensitive electrochemical sensor or a semiconductor-based detector calibrated for high sensitivity to ethanol molecules. In embodiments, the measuring chamber includes a filter for removing particles and a humidity control element for optimizing performance. In embodiments, the breath sensor 210 has a fan for drawing air into the measuring chamber through the inlet 232.A microcontroller processes the sensor's electrical output and converts it into an alcohol concentration value. The microcontroller is communicatively coupled to the electronic control unit 116 of the vehicle 100 (Fig. 1) for controlling vehicle operation based on the detected alcohol content in the air sample, as described in detail later. Referring to Fig. 4, a perspective side view of the bezel 224 of the steering wheel 202 is shown, which is fixed to the clock spring 214 by the inlet tube 228. Specifically, the inlet tube 228 has a front end 238 and a rear end 240, which is opposite the front end 238. The front end 238 is fixed to a lower receiving area 242 of the bezel 224, and the rear end 240 is fixed to the clock spring 214. The clock spring 214 has a front electrical receiving part 246, which is provided at the front end 220 of the clock spring 214, and a rear electrical receiving part 248, which is provided at the rear end 218 of the clock spring 214. The front electrical receiver 246 is mounted on the rotating area of ​​the clock spring 214, which rotates with the aperture 224 of the steering wheel 202 (Fig.3), while the rear electrical receiver 248 is mounted on the fixed portion of the clock spring 214 that does not rotate with the bezel 224 of the steering wheel 202. The rear electrical receiver 248 is electrically coupled to an electronic device, such as a combination switch, which is connected to the electronic control unit 116 of the vehicle 100 (Fig. 1). Although not shown, it should be noted that one or more electrical wires extend within the clock spring 214 between the front electrical receiver 246 and the rear electrical receiver 248. The one or more electrical wires extending within the clock spring 214 between the front electrical receiver 246 and the rear electrical receiver 248 are of a length sufficient to allow multiple complete rotations of the bezel 224 of the steering wheel 202.Accordingly, the one or more electrical wires inside the clock spring 214 allow electrical components inside the steering wheel 202, which rotates during the operation of the vehicle 100 (Fig. 1), to be connected to components on the back of the clock spring 214, which remain fixed during the operation of the vehicle 100. Referring to Fig. 5, a front partial view of the steering wheel 202 is shown, with the cover 224 mounted on the outer rim 222 of the steering wheel 202. As shown, the cover 224 has an inlet 250, which is recessed into the lower receiving area 242 of the cover 224, and the inlet hole 204, which is provided within the inlet 250. The inlet 250 is shaped such that it directs air, specifically exhaled air from an occupant of the vehicle 100 sitting in the driver's seat 104 (see Fig. 1), into the inlet hole 204. As shown in Fig. 6, the inlet cover 226 is provided over the lower receiving area 242 of the cover 224 and over the inlet 250. Accordingly, the inlet cover 226 prevents dirt, which could be drawn into the inlet tube 228 and subsequently the clock spring 214 (Fig. 4), from directly contacting the inlet hole 204. As shown in Fig.As shown in Figure 6, the inlet cover 226 has a plurality of openings extending between an outer surface and an inner surface of the inlet cover 226 to allow air to pass through the inlet cover 226 and into the inlet hole 204 when the inlet cover 226 is coupled to the inlet 250. Referring to Fig. 7, an exploded view of the clock spring 214 is shown. Specifically, the clock spring 214 has a rear rotating component 254, a rear mounting component 256, a front mounting component 258, and a front rotating component 260. As described herein, a rotating portion of the clock spring 214 rotates with the steering wheel 202 and the steering column 208 (Fig. 2), while a fixed portion of the clock spring 214 remains fixed and does not rotate during the rotation of the steering wheel 202 and the steering column 208. Specifically, the rotating area includes the rear rotating component 254 and the front rotating component 260, which are fixed to each other and rotate with the steering wheel 202 and the steering column 208, and the fixed area includes the rear mounting component 256 and the front mounting component 258, which are fixed to each other and do not rotate during the rotation of the steering wheel 202 and the steering column 208. Referring to Figures 8 and 9, the rear rotary component 254 is shown. The rear rotary component 254 has a front surface 262 and a rear surface 264 opposite the front surface 262. The rear rotary component 254 defines an outer edge 266. A central opening 268 is formed in the center of the rear rotary component 254 and defines an inner edge 270 opposite the outer edge 266. In the embodiments, a recess 272 is formed on the front surface 262 of the rear rotary component 254 and extends along a circumference of the front surface 262. Accordingly, the recess 272 is spaced apart from the central opening 268. As shown in Fig. 8, one or more fasteners 274 extend from the front surface 262 of the rear rotary component 254 near the central opening 268. The fasteners 274 extend from the front surface 262 in a direction opposite to the rear surface 264. As shown, three fasteners 274 extend from the front surface 262 near the central opening 268. However, it should be noted that any number of fasteners 274 can extend from the front surface 262, such as one, two, or more than three. Each fastener 274 defines a slot 276 formed therein. In the embodiments, an opening 278 is formed that extends through the front surface 262 and the rear surface 264 of the rear rotary component 254. The opening 278 is provided near the inner edge 270. As shown in Fig. 9, a column engagement area 280 extends from the rear surface 264 of the rear rotary component 254 near and around the central opening 268. The column engagement area 280 extends from the rear surface 264 in a direction opposite to the front surface 262. The column engagement area 280 has a proximal end 282 at the rear surface 264 and a distal end 284 opposite the proximal end 282. The column engagement area 280 has one or more latches 286 for securing the rear rotary component 254 to the steering column 208 (Fig. 2). For example, as shown in Fig. 9, a plurality of latches 286 are formed at the distal end 284 of the column engagement area 280. However, it should be noted that the column engagement area 280 can have any number of bars 286, such as one, two or more than three bars 286.Although not shown, the one or more locking bars 286 engage with corresponding fastening means provided on the steering column 208 (Fig. 2) to connect the rear rotating component 254 to the steering column 208 and to prevent rotation of the rear rotating component 254 relative to the steering column 208. Referring to Figures 10 and 11, the rear mounting component 256 is shown. The rear mounting component 256 has a front surface 288 and a rear surface 290 opposite the front surface 288. The rear mounting component 256 defines an outer edge 292. A central opening 294 is formed in the center of the rear mounting component 256 and defines an inner edge 296 opposite the outer edge 292. As shown in Fig. 10, one or more fasteners 298 extend from the front surface 288 of the rear mounting component 256 near the outer edge 292. The fasteners 298 extend from the front surface 288 in a direction opposite to the rear surface 290. As shown, four fasteners 298 extend from the front surface 288 near the outer edge 292. However, it should be noted that any number of fasteners 298 can extend from the front surface 288, such as one, two, three, or more than four. Each fastener 298 defines a slot 300 formed therein. An outlet 302 is formed in the rear mounting component 256. In the embodiments shown, the outlet 302 is formed between the outer edge 292 and the inner edge 296. In other embodiments, the outlet 302 projects beyond the outer edge 292. As shown in Fig. 11, an outlet pipe engagement area 304 extends from the outlet 302. The outlet pipe engagement area 304 extends from the rear surface 290 in a direction opposite to the front surface 288. The outlet pipe engagement area 304 has a proximal end 306 at the rear surface 290 and a distal end 308 opposite the proximal end 306. In the embodiments, the outlet pipe engagement area 304 has one or more latches 310 for securing the outlet pipe 230 (Fig. 3) to the rear mounting component 256. However, the outlet pipe engagement area 304 can be coupled to the outlet pipe 230 in any suitable manner, such as by a friction fit (press fit) or a mechanical engagement.In these embodiments, a recess 312 is formed on the rear surface 290 of the rear mounting component 256 and extends along the inner edge 296, which is defined by the central opening 294. As described in detail below, the recess 312 of the rear mounting component 256 is configured to receive the recess 312 of the rear rotary component 254 (Fig. 8). Referring to Figures 12 and 13, the front assembly component 258 is shown. The front assembly component 258 has a side wall 314, which has a front edge 316, a rear edge 318 opposite the front edge 316, an inner surface 320, and an outer surface 322 opposite the inner surface 320. The inner surface 320 of the side wall 314 defines a central opening 324 that extends between the front edge 316 and the rear edge 318 of the side wall 314. One or more projections 326 are formed on the outer surface 322 of the side wall 314 near the rear edge 318. As shown, several projections 326 are formed on the outer surface 322 of the side wall 314 and are equidistant from one another. As will be described in detail later, the projections 326 engage with the slot 300, which is located in the fastening means 298 of the rear mounting component 256 (Fig.10) is designed to secure the front assembly component 258 to the rear assembly component 256. As shown in Fig. 13, a lip 328 is formed on the inner surface 320 of the side wall 314 at the rear edge 318. As described in detail later, the rear mounting component 256 (Fig. 10) is received within the front mounting component 258, with the outer edge 292 of the rear mounting component 256 abutting the lip 328 formed on the front mounting component 258. One or more flanges 330 extend from the side wall 314 of the front mounting component 258 near the rear edge 318 in a radial direction opposite to the central opening 324. As shown, four flanges 330 extend radially outward from the side wall 314. However, it should be noted that the front mounting component 258 can have any number of flanges 330, such as one, two, three, or more than four. Each flange 330 has one or more holes 332. As shown in Fig.As shown in Figure 13, a diametrically opposed pair of flanges 330 has a pair of holes 332, and another diametrically opposed pair of flanges 330 has only a single hole 332. It should be noted that the holes 332 accommodate a fastener that mounts the front mounting component 258 to a frame of the vehicle 100 (Fig. 1). Accordingly, the front mounting component 258 does not rotate relative to the frame of the vehicle 100. In these embodiments, the rear mounting component 256 and the front mounting component 258 can be designed as an integral, one-piece, monolithic component. In such embodiments, the various components that couple the rear mounting component 256 and the front mounting component 258 may not be provided. However, the entire other structure of the rear mounting component 256 and the front mounting component 258 can remain the same as described herein.Referring to Figures 14 and 15, the front rotary component 260 is shown. The front rotary component 260 has a front surface 334 and a rear surface 336 opposite the front surface 334. The front rotary component 260 defines an outer edge 338. A central opening 340 is formed in the center of the front rotary component 260 and defines an inner edge 342 opposite the outer edge 338. An engagement area 344 for the rear rotary component extends from the rear surface 336 of the front rotary component 260 near and around the central opening 340. The engagement area 344 for the rear rotary component extends from the rear surface 336 in a direction opposite to the front surface 334.The engagement area 344 for the rear rotary component has a proximal end 346 on the rear surface 336, a distal end 348 opposite the proximal end 346, an inner surface 350, and an outer surface 352 opposite the inner surface 350. The engagement area 344 for the rear rotary component has one or more projections 354 formed on the inner surface 350 of the engagement area 344 for the rear rotary component to secure the front rotary component 260 to the rear rotary component 254 (Fig. 8). In embodiments, the engagement area 344 for the rear rotary component has a plurality of projections 354 formed on the distal end 348 of the engagement area 344 for the rear rotary component. As described in detail later, the projections 354 engage with slots 276 in the fastening means 274 in the rear rotating component 254 (Fig.8) are designed to secure the front rotary component 260 to the rear rotary component 254. As shown in Fig. 15, in these embodiments, the engagement area 344 for the rear rotary component has a positioning projection 356 formed on the outer surface 352 of the engagement area 344 for the rear rotary component. When the rear rotary component 254 is in position relative to the front rotary component 260, the positioning projection 356 is inserted into the opening 278 (Fig. 8) formed on the rear rotary component 254. This ensures that the rear rotary component 254 is correctly oriented relative to the front rotary component 260 during assembly. An inlet 358 is formed in the front rotary component 260. In some embodiments, the inlet 358 is located between the outer edge 338 and the inner edge 342. In other embodiments, the inlet 358 projects beyond the outer edge 338. As shown in Fig. 14, an inlet pipe engagement area 360 extends from the inlet 358. The inlet pipe engagement area 360 extends from the front surface 334 in a direction opposite to the rear surface 336. The inlet pipe engagement area 360 has a proximal end 362 at the rear surface 336 and a distal end 364 opposite the proximal end 362. In the embodiments, the inlet pipe engagement area 360 has one or more latches 366 for securing the inlet pipe 228 (Fig. 3) to the front rotating component 260.However, the inlet pipe engagement area 360 can be coupled to the inlet pipe 228 in any suitable way, such as by a friction fit (press fit) or a mechanical engagement. Referring to Figures 16 and 17, the clock spring 214 is shown in an assembled state, with the rear rotating component 254 secured to the front rotating component 260. Specifically, it is shown that the fastening means 274, extending from the front surface 262 of the rear rotating component 254, extend along the inner surface 350 of the engagement area 344 for the rear rotating component. Furthermore, it is shown that the projections 354, formed on the inner surface 350 of the engagement area 344 for the rear rotating component, are received within the slots 276 formed in the fastening means 274 of the rear rotating component 254 to secure the rear rotating component 254 to the front rotating component 260. Referring further to Figs. 16 and 17, the rear mounting component 256 is shown, which is secured to the front mounting component 258. In particular, it is shown that the projections 326, which are formed on the outer surface 322 of the side wall 314 of the front mounting component 258, are received within the slots 300, which are formed in the fastening means 298 of the rear mounting component 256, in order to secure the rear mounting component 256 to the front mounting component 258. With the column engagement area 280 on the steering column 208 (Fig. 2), as described herein, secured by the latches 268 formed on the column engagement area 280, the rear rotary component 254 and the front rotary component 260 can rotate with the steering column 202 (Fig. 2), while the rear mounting component 256 and the front mounting component 258 remain fixed and stationary relative to the frame of the vehicle 100 (Fig. 1). Referring to Fig. 18, a cross-sectional side view of the clock spring 214 in its assembled state is shown. The clock spring 214 has an air chamber 368, which is defined by the rear surface 336 of the front rotating component 260, the outer surface 352 of the engagement area 344 for the rear rotating component of the front rotating component 260, the front surface 262 of the rear rotating component 254, the front surface 288 of the rear mounting component 256, and the inner surface 320 of the side wall 314 of the front mounting component 258. Accordingly, air enters the air chamber 368 through the inlet 358 formed in the front rotating component 260. The air chamber 368 directs the air within the air chamber 368 to exit the air chamber 368 through the outlet 302, which is formed in the rear assembly component 256.Accordingly, air can flow into the air chamber 368 through the inlet 358 and out of the air chamber 368 through the outlet 302, regardless of the position of the inlet 358 relative to the outlet 302. Although not shown in Fig. 18, one or more electrical wires extend within the air chamber 368 from the front electrical receiving part 256 (Fig. 4), which is mounted to the front surface 334 of the front rotating part 260, to the rear electrical receiving part 248 (Fig. 4), which is mounted to the rear surface 264 of the rear mounting part 256. As described herein, the electrical wires have a length sufficient to be wound several times around the engagement area 344 for the rear rotating part when the front rotating part 260 is rotated with the steering wheel 202 (Fig. 2). With reference to Figs. 19 and 20, a further embodiment of a breathing air supply device 406 is shown, which is used in combination with the other components of the steering wheel assembly 200 of Fig. 3. Although the breathing air supply device 406 is shown and referred to herein as a clock spring 414, it should be noted that the present disclosure is not limited to the breathing air supply device 406 being a clock spring 414. As such, the breathing air supply device 406 can be any suitable device configured to supply an air sample collected at an inlet tube to an outlet tube, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, it should be noted that the clock spring 414 shown in Figs. 19 and 20 is similar to the clock spring 214 shown in Figs. 16 and 17. In embodiments where one or more electrical wires are continuously subjected to an airflow through an air chamber, the one or more electrical wires may be damaged more quickly. Accordingly, it may be advantageous to provide a separate chamber for housing the one or more electrical wires, which is fluidically isolated from the air chamber. Thus, the clock spring 414, shown in Figs. 19 and 20, provides separate chambers for the one or more electrical wires and the air entering the clock spring 414. As shown in Fig. 19, a front view of the clock spring 214 is shown, which has a rear rotating component 454, a rear mounting component 456 (Fig. 20), a front mounting component 458, and a front rotating component 460 (Fig. 19). It should be noted that the rear rotating component 454, the rear mounting component 456, the front mounting component 458 and the front rotating component 460 are similar to the rear rotating component 254, the rear mounting component 256, the front mounting component 258 and the front rotating component 260 of the clock spring 214 (Fig. 7), except for a diameter of the clock spring 414 which is larger than the diameter of the clock spring 214 in order to accommodate multiple chambers, as described in more detail herein.Accordingly, an inlet 558 is formed in the front rotary component 460, and an inlet pipe engagement area 560 extends from the inlet 558. Furthermore, a front electrical receiver 446 is mounted on the front rotary component 460. The front electrical receiver 446 provides a connection point for wires extending from the steering wheel 202 or other electronic components within an interior cabin 102 of the vehicle 100 (Fig. 1). Referring to Fig. 20, the front rotating component 460 has been removed to better illustrate an open interior 567 of the clock spring 414. As shown, an outlet 502 is formed in the rear mounting component 456. Furthermore, a boundary wall 569 is provided in the open interior 567 and extends from a front surface 488 of the rear mounting component 456. The outlet 502 is positioned between the boundary wall 569 and the rear rotating component 454. The boundary wall 569 defines an air chamber 568, which is located on an inner radial surface 571 of the boundary wall 569 near a central opening 468 of the rear rotating component 454, and an electrical chamber 574 is located on an outer radial surface 573 of the boundary wall 569 near a side wall 514 of the front mounting component 458.An electronics opening 576 is formed on the rear mounting component 456, and a rear electrical receiver 448 is shown, mounted on a rear surface of the rear mounting component 456. The electronics opening 576 allows the one or more electrical wires extending within the electrical chamber 574 to pass through the electronics opening 576 and connect to the rear electrical receiver 448, thus coupling the front electrical receiver 446 (Fig. 19) to the rear electrical receiver 448. Accordingly, during operation, when air enters the open interior 567 of the clock spring 414 through the inlet 558 formed in the front rotating component 460 (Fig. 19), the air is directed (guided) through the air chamber 568 and exits the clock spring 414 through the outlet 502 formed in the rear mounting component 456. In this way, the air within the air chamber 568 remains isolated by the boundary wall 569 from the one or more electrical wires extending within the electrical chamber 574. This ensures that the air is not contaminated before analysis and limits contact with the one or more electrical wires to reduce the likelihood of wear. It is evident from the foregoing that a steering wheel assembly is defined here, which includes a breath air supply device for detecting the alcohol content in an air sample collected at the steering wheel. The steering wheel assembly comprises a steering wheel with an inlet opening, a breath sensor with an inlet for detecting the alcohol content in an air sample, and a breath air supply device located between the steering wheel and the breath sensor. In the embodiments, the breath air supply device is a clock spring having a rotating section that turns with the steering wheel and a fixed section that does not turn with the steering wheel. Although certain embodiments have been presented and described here, it should be clear that various changes and modifications can be made without deviating from the scope of the claimed subject matter. Furthermore, while various aspects of the claimed subject matter have been described here, these aspects need not be used in combination. It is therefore intended that the attached claims encompass all such changes and modifications that fall within the scope of protection of the claimed subject matter. It is explicitly emphasized that all features disclosed in the description and / or the claims are to be considered separate and independent of one another for the purposes of the original disclosure as well as for the purpose of limiting the claimed invention, irrespective of the combinations of features in the embodiments and / or the claims. It is explicitly stated that all range specifications or specifications of groups of units disclose every possible intermediate value or subgroup of units for the purposes of the original disclosure as well as for the purpose of limiting the claimed invention, in particular also as a boundary of a range specification.

Claims

Steering wheel assembly comprising a steering wheel having an inlet hole, a breath sensor having an inlet for detecting an alcohol content in an air sample, and a breath air supply device provided between the steering wheel and the breath sensor, wherein the breath air supply device fluidically couples the inlet hole of the steering wheel to the inlet of the breath sensor and the breath air supply device has a rotational area that rotates with the steering wheel and a fixed area that does not rotate with the steering wheel. Steering wheel assembly according to claim 1, wherein the breathing air supply device comprises a clock spring, a rear rotating component having a front surface and a rear surface opposite the front surface of the rear rotating component, a rear mounting component having a front surface, a rear surface opposite the front surface of the rear mounting component and an outlet pipe engagement area extending from the rear surface of the rear mounting component, a front mounting component having a side wall, and a front rotating component having a front surface, a rear surface opposite the front surface of the front rotating component, an engagement area for the rear rotating component extending from the rear surface of the front rotating component, and an inlet pipe engagement area.extending from the front surface of the front rotating component. Steering wheel assembly according to claim 2, wherein the rotation area comprises the rear rotating component and the front rotating component, and the fixed area comprises the rear mounting component and the front mounting component, wherein the front mounting component is removably attached to the rear mounting component. Steering wheel assembly according to claim 2 or 3, further comprising an inlet tube extending between the inlet tube engagement area of ​​the front rotating component and the inlet hole of the steering wheel, and an outlet tube extending between the outlet tube engagement area of ​​the rear mounting component and the inlet of the breathing sensor. Steering wheel assembly according to claim 2, 3 or 4, wherein an opening is formed in the rear rotary component, and a positioning element is formed on an outer surface of the engagement area for the rear rotary component of the front rotary component, and engages with the opening. Steering wheel assembly according to one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the clock spring has an air chamber defined by the rear surface of the front rotating component, the front surface of the rear mounting component and an inner surface of the side wall of the front mounting component. Steering wheel assembly according to one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the rear mounting component has a boundary wall extending from the front surface, such that it defines an air chamber and an electrical chamber which is fluidically isolated from the air chamber. Steering wheel assembly according to claim 7, wherein the inlet pipe engagement area and the outlet pipe engagement area are formed within the air chamber. Steering wheel assembly according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the steering wheel has an outer rim and a cover mounted on the outer rim, the cover having an inlet which is excluded within a lower receiving area of ​​the cover, and the inlet hole of the steering wheel is provided within the inlet. Steering wheel assembly according to claim 9, further comprising an inlet cover provided over the inlet. Breathing air supply device, comprising a rear rotary component having a front surface and a rear surface opposite the front surface of the rear rotary component, a rear mounting component having a front surface, a rear surface opposite the front surface of the rear mounting component and an outlet pipe engagement area extending from the rear surface of the rear mounting component, a front mounting component having a side wall, and a front rotary component having a front surface, a rear surface opposite the front surface of the front rotary component, an engagement area for the rear rotary component extending from the rear surface of the front rotary component, and an inlet pipe engagement area extending from the front surface of the front rotary component. Breathing air supply device according to claim 11, wherein the rear rotating component and the front rotating component rotate relative to the rear mounting component and the front mounting component. A breathing air supply device according to claim 11 or 12, wherein an opening is formed in the rear rotary component, and a positioning element is formed on an outer surface of the engagement area for the rear rotary component of the front rotary component, and engages with the opening. Breathing air supply device according to claim 11, 12 or 13, comprising an air chamber defined by the rear surface of the front rotating component, the front surface of the rear mounting component and an inner surface of the side wall of the front mounting component. A breathing air supply device according to claim 11, 12 or 13, wherein the rear mounting component has a boundary wall extending from the front surface, such that it defines an air chamber and an electrical chamber which is fluidically isolated from the air chamber. Breathing air supply device according to claim 15, wherein the inlet pipe engagement area and the outlet pipe engagement area are formed within the air chamber. A vehicle comprising a steering wheel assembly, a steering wheel having an inlet hole, a breath sensor having an inlet for detecting an alcohol content in an air sample, and a breath air supply device provided between the steering wheel and the breath sensor, wherein the breath air supply device fluidically couples the inlet hole of the steering wheel to the inlet of the breath sensor and the breath air supply device has a rotational area that rotates with the steering wheel and a fixed area that does not rotate with the steering wheel, and an electronic control unit that is communicatively coupled to the breath sensor, wherein the electronic control unit is configured to perform one or more vehicle operations in response to receiving the detected alcohol content from the breath sensor and determining that the detected alcohol content exceeds a predetermined threshold. Vehicle according to claim 17, wherein the breathing air supply device comprises a clock spring, a rear rotating component having a front surface and a rear surface opposite the front surface of the rear rotating component, a rear mounting component having a front surface, a rear surface opposite the front surface of the rear mounting component and an outlet pipe engagement area extending from the rear surface of the rear mounting component, a front mounting component having a side wall, and a front rotating component having a front surface, a rear surface opposite the front surface of the front rotating component, and an engagement area for the rear rotating component extending from the rear surface of the front rotating component.has one or more projections for engagement with fasteners of the rear rotating component and an inlet pipe engagement area extending from the front surface of the front rotating component. Vehicle according to claim 18, further comprising an inlet pipe extending between the inlet pipe engagement area of ​​the front rotating component and the inlet hole of the steering wheel, and an outlet pipe extending between the outlet pipe engagement area of ​​the rear mounting component and the inlet of the breathing sensor. Vehicle according to claim 17, wherein one or more vehicle operating operations include setting one or more driving restrictions or notifying authorized personnel of the determined alcohol content.

Images